Hatch Green Chili Powder

Hatch green chili powder is made from dried and ground Hatch green chiles, a variety of chili pepper grown primarily in the Hatch Valley of New Mexico. These peppers are known for their unique, mild to medium heat and slightly sweet, smoky flavor. After harvesting, the chiles are typically roasted to enhance their flavor before being dried and ground into a powder.

Manufacturers add Hatch green chili powder to provide a distinct spicy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor profile. It is commonly used in seasoning mixes, rubs, marinades, and to add a kick to snacks like chips and pretzels. It can also be found in frozen appetizers, sauces, and as a flavor enhancer in various savory dishes.

Hatch green chili powder is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is a source of vitamins and antioxidants, though amounts vary. Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, may have some health effects, but research is ongoing and evidence is mixed on significant benefits or risks at typical dietary intake levels. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated capsaicinoids, but no specific limits are set for chili powder itself.